Methods and compositions for treating tissue using silk proteins

ABSTRACT

Compositions for forming a self-reinforcing composite biomatrix, methods of manufacture and use therefore are herein disclosed. Kits including delivery devices suitable for delivering the compositions are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition can include at least three components. In one embodiment, a first component can include a first functionalized polymer, a second component can include a second functionalized polymer and a third component can include silk protein or constituents thereof. In some embodiments, the composition can include at least one cell type and/or at least one growth factor. In some embodiments, the composition can include a biologic encapsulated, suspended, disposed within or loaded into a biodegradable carrier. In some embodiments, the composition(s) of the present invention can be delivered by a dual lumen injection device to a treatment area in situ, in vivo, as well as ex vivo applications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/566,643, filed Dec. 4, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Tissue treatments and compositions.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Ischemic heart disease typically results from an imbalance between the myocardial blood flow and the metabolic demand of the myocardium. Progressive atherosclerosis with increasing occlusion of coronary arteries leads to a reduction in coronary blood flow, which creates ischemic heart tissue. “Atherosclerosis” is a type of arteriosclerosis in which cells including smooth muscle cells and macrophages, fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste product, calcium and fibrin build up in the inner lining of a body vessel. “Arteriosclerosis” refers to the thickening and hardening of arteries. Blood flow can be further decreased by additional events such as changes in circulation that lead to hypoperfusion, vasospasm or thrombosis.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one form of heart disease that results from the sudden lack of supply of oxygen and other nutrients. The lack of blood supply is a result of a closure of the coronary artery (or any other artery feeding the heart) which nourishes a particular part of the heart muscle. The cause of this event is generally attributed to arteriosclerosis in coronary vessels.

Formerly, it was believed that an MI was caused from a slow progression of closure from, for example, 95% then to 100%. However, an MI can also be a result of minor blockages where, for example, there is a rupture of the cholesterol plaque resulting in blood clotting within the artery. Thus, the flow of blood is blocked and downstream cellular damage occurs. This damage can cause irregular rhythms that can be fatal, even though the remaining muscle is strong enough to pump a sufficient amount of blood. As a result of this insult to the heart tissue, scar tissue tends to naturally form.

Various procedures, including mechanical and therapeutic agent application procedures, are known for reopening blocked arteries. An example of a mechanical procedure includes balloon angioplasty with stenting, while an example of a therapeutic agent application includes administering a thrombolytic agent, such as urokinase. Such procedures do not, however, treat actual tissue damage to the heart. Other systemic drugs, such as ACE-inhibitors and Beta-blockers, may be effective in reducing cardiac load post-MI, although a significant portion of the population that experiences a major MI ultimately develop heart failure.

An important component in the progression to heart failure is remodeling of the heart due to mismatched mechanical forces between the infarcted region and the healthy tissue resulting in uneven stress and strain distribution in the left ventricle. Once an MI occurs, remodeling of the heart begins. The principle components of the remodeling event include myocyte death, edema and inflammation, followed by fibroblast infiltration and collagen deposition, and finally scar formation from extra-cellular matrix (ECM) deposition. The principle component of the scar is collagen which is non-contractile and causes strain on the heart with each beat. Non-contractility causes poor pump performance as seen by low ejection fraction (EF) and akinetic or diskinetic local wall motion. Low EF leads to high residual blood volume in the ventricle, causes additional wall stress and leads to eventual infarct expansion via scar stretching and thinning and border-zone cell apoptosis. In addition, the remote-zone thickens as a result of higher stress which impairs systolic pumping while the infarct region experiences significant thinning because mature myocytes of an adult are not regenerated. Myocyte loss is a major etiologic factor of wall thinning and chamber dilation that may ultimately lead to progression of cardiac myopathy. In other areas, remote regions experience hypertrophy (thickening) resulting in an overall enlargement of the left ventricle. This is the end result of the remodeling cascade. These changes also correlate with physiological changes that result in increase in blood pressure and worsening systolic and diastolic performance.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Compositions for forming a self-reinforcing composite biomatrix, methods of manufacture and use therefore are herein disclosed. Kits including delivery devices suitable for delivering the compositions are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition can include at least three components. In one embodiment, a first component can include a first functionalized polymer, a second component can include a second functionalized polymer and a third component can include silk protein or constituents thereof. In some embodiments, the composition can include at least one cell type and/or at least one growth factor. In some embodiments, the composition can include a biologic encapsulated, suspended, disposed within or loaded into a biodegradable carrier. In some embodiments, the composition(s) of the present invention can be delivered by a dual lumen injection device to a treatment area in situ, in vivo, as well as ex vivo applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate the progression of heart damage once the build-up of plaque in an artery induces an infarct to occur.

FIG. 2 illustrates a representation of an embodiment of forming a self-reinforcing composite matrix including a two-component gelation system and a silk protein.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a dual bore delivery device.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a dual bore delivery device.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a second alternative embodiment of a dual bore delivery device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate the progression of heart damage once the build-up of plaque induces an infarct to occur. FIG. 1A illustrates a site 10 where blockage and restricted blood flow can occur from, for example, a thrombus or embolus. FIG. 1B illustrates resultant damage area 20 to the left ventricle that can result from the lack of oxygen and nutrient flow carried by the blood to the inferior region left of the heart. Damage area 20 will likely undergo remodeling, and eventually scarring, resulting in a non-functional area.

A self-reinforcing composite matrix formed of three components and applied in situ to tissue for treatment or reparation of tissue damage, or to provide a support for sustained-delivery of a biologic, is herein disclosed. The composite matrix can include a two-component gelation system and a silk protein. “Bioscaffolding” and “two-component gelation system” and “gelation system” are hereinafter used interchangeably. Examples of two-component gelation systems include, but are not limited to, alginate construct systems, fibrin glues and fibrin glue-like systems, self-assembled peptides, synthetic polymer systems and combinations thereof. The gelation system can provide a rapidly degrading matrix for a slower degrading constituent, such as, for example, silk protein. Over time, the silk protein can form a self-reinforcing composite matrix. The components of the composite matrix, in various combinations, may be co-injected to an infarct region by a dual-lumen delivery device. Examples of dual-lumen delivery devices include, but are not limited to, dual syringes, dual-needle left-ventricle injection devices, dual-needle transvascular wall injection devices and the like.

In some applications, the two-component gelation system includes fibrin glue. Fibrin glue consists of two main components, fibrinogen and thrombin. Fibrinogen is a plasma glycoprotein of about 340 kiloDaltons (kDa) in its endogenous state. Fibrinogen is a symmetrical dimer comprised of six paired polypeptide chains, alpha, beta and gamma chains. On the alpha and beta chains, there is a small peptide sequence called a fibrinopeptide which prevents fibrinogen from spontaneously forming polymers with itself. In some embodiments, fibrinogen is modified with proteins. Thrombin is a coagulation protein. When combined in equal volumes, thrombin converts the fibrinogen to fibrin by enzymatic action at a rate determined by the concentration of thrombin. The result is a biocompatible gel which gelates when combined at the infarct region. Fibrin glue can undergo gelation between about 5 to about 60 seconds. Examples of fibrin glue-like systems include, but are not limited to, Tisseel™ (Baxter), Beriplast P™ (Aventis Behring), Biocol® (LFB, France), Crosseal™ (Omrix Biopharmaceuticals, Ltd.), Hemaseel HMN® (Haemacure Corp.), Bolheal (Kaketsuken Pharma, Japan) and CoStasis® (Angiotech Pharmaceuticals).

In some applications, a two-component gelation system is a synthetic polymer system. Examples of synthetic polymers include, but are not limited to, polyamino acids, polysaccharides, polyalkylene oxide or polyethylene glycol (PEG). The molecular weight of the compounds can vary depending on the desired application. In most instances, the molecular weight (mw) is about 100 to about 100,000 mw. When the core material is polyethylene glycol, the molecular weight of the compound(s) is/are about 7,500 to about 20,000 mw and more preferably, about 10,000 mw. When combined together, synthetic polymers can form a hydrogel depending on the abundancy of reactive groups, among other parameters. A “hydrogel” is a network of polymer chains that are hydrophilic, sometimes found as a colloidal gel in which water is the dispersion medium. Hydrogels are super-absorbent (they can contain over 99% water) and can be comprised of natural or synthetic polymers.

In some embodiments, the two-component gelation system includes polyethylene glycols. PEG is a synthetic polymer having the repeating structure (OCH₂CH₂)_(n). A first component may be a polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer functionalized with at least two nucleophilic groups. Examples of nucleophilic groups include, but are not limited to, thiol (—SH), thiol anion (—S⁻), and amine (—NH₂). A “nucleophile” is a reagent which is attracted to centers of positive charge. A nucleophile participates in a chemical reaction by donating electrons to an electrophile in order to form a chemical bond. A second component may be a PEG polymer functionalized with at least two electrophilic groups. Examples of electrophilic groups include, but are not limited to, N-hydroxy succinimide ester (—NHS), acrylate, vinyl sulfone, and maleimide. —NHS, or succinimidyl, is a five-member ring structure represented by the chemical formula —N(COCH₂)₂. An “electrophile” is a reagent attracted to electrons that participates in a chemical reaction by accepting an electron pair in order to bond to a nucleophile. The total number of electrophilic and nucleophilic groups should be greater than four.

Some inherent characteristics of unmodified hydrogels include, but are not limited to, its ability to swell and its ability to rapidly gel. As used herein, the term “unmodified” means hydrogels in which no other constituents are added thereto. These characteristics can contribute to rapid degradation of the hydrogel. In addition, in situ gelling hydrogels generally exhibit weak mechanical properties, resulting in poor implant integrity In some applications, however, these same characteristics (e.g., swelling) can be harmful. For example, if applied to an organ such as the heart to treat a post-infarct myocardial region, swelling should be minimized to reduce or eliminate excess pressure on the treatment region. Additionally, in some applications, a less rapid degradation may be desirable.

In some embodiments, two functionalized PEGs comprising a PEG functionalized with at least two nucleophilic groups and a PEG functionalized with at least two electrophilic groups can be combined in a 1:1 ratio. The PEGs can be stored in a 0.01M acidic solution at a pH below about 4.0. At room temperature and standard concentration, reaction and cross-linking between the two functionalized PEGs occurs beginning at approximately pH greater than 6.5. Under these conditions, reaction kinetics are slow. When 0.3 M basic buffer solution at pH about 9.0 is added to the PEGs, gelation occurs in less than 1 minute. This system exhibits poor cytocompatibility due to the low pH of the functionalized PEG solution and the high osmolality pH 9.0 buffer. “Cytocompatibility” refers to the ability of media to provide an environment conducive to cell growth. Additionally, this system does not include any cell adhesion ligands.

The reaction of the functionalized PEGs in forming a gel can occur by a number of different chemical reactions depending on the functionality of the groups attached to the PEGs. For example, the gel can be formed by a Michael-type addition reaction or a condensation reaction. In general, a Michael-type addition reaction involves the reaction of an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl with a nucleophile. A Michael-type addition reaction can occur at a pH greater than about 6.8. Michael addition reactions are well known by those skilled in the art. Examples of moieties on functionalized PEGs which can undergo a Michael's addition reaction include, but are not limited to: PEG-SH combined with PEG-maleimide; and PEG-SH combined with PEG-acrylate. In some embodiments, the reaction could be activated with a buffer with a pH greater than about 4, by a catalytic amount of various amines or a combination thereof. A condensation reaction is a chemical reaction in which two molecules or moieties react and become covalently bonded to one another by the concurrent loss of a small molecule, often water, methanol, or a type of hydrogen halide such as hydrogen chloride. In polymer chemistry, a series of condensation reactions can take place whereby monomers or monomer chains add to each other to form longer chains. Examples of moieties on functionalized PEGs which can undergo a condensation reaction include, but are not limited to, PEG-NHS ester and PEG-NH₂. It is anticipated that a Michael addition reaction would contribute to the long term stability of the resulting gel since thioether bonds are formed as compared to the more hydrolytically labile thioester bonds formed from the reaction of thiols with activated esters.

Silk fibers from spiders (e.g., Nephila clavipes and Araneus diadematus) and silkworms (e.g., Bombyx mori) represent the strongest natural fibers currently known. Their mechanical properties include high strength and toughness and are derived from a highly controlled self-assembly path through liquid crystalline phases leading to highly stable materials. Silk from B. mori consists primarily of two protein components, fibroin and sericin. Fibroin, or silk protein, is the structural protein in silk fibers and sericin is the water-soluble glue that binds fibroin fibers together. Fibroin protein consists of light and heavy chain polypeptides of approximately 350 kDa and 25 kDa, respectively. The principal constituent of silk fibers, i.e., silk proteins, can undergo self-assembly into insoluble β-sheets. The β-sheets have been shown to exhibit a high level of organization. The β-sheets have also been shown to be numerous and very small and contained within the heavy chain. Compared to synthetic polymers, which are made of one or two repeating monomer units polymerized to a broad range of lengths, biological polymers such as silk fibroin are identical molecules of great complexity made up of almost 20 different amino acid monomers. Natural silk can be made at room temperature from an aqueous solution, which methods are known in the art.

The United States Pharmacopeia defines silk as non-degradable because it retains greater than 50% of its tensile integrity 60 days post-implantation in vivo. Within the period of a year, silk has been shown to proteolytically degrade and resorb when applied in vivo. Recent experiments have shown that silk is a mechanically robust biomaterial with predictable long-term degradation characteristics. See, e.g., R. L. Horan, et al., In vitro degradation of silk fibroin, Biomaterials 26 (2005) 3385-3393. It is anticipated that silk matrices formed from silk proteins have the potential for many different types of medical treatments.

In some embodiments, a silk protein or a block-copolymer of silk protein (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “silk protein”) can be combined with a two-component gelation system to form a self-reinforcing composite matrix. A block co-polymer of silk protein can be, for example, silk-elastin (available from Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc., California), silk-collagen or silk-laminin, or any peptide sequence of elastin, collagen or laminin conjugated with a silk protein. In some embodiments, a glycosoaminoglycan (GAG) such as, for example, hyaluronic acid, heparin sulfate, chondroitin sulfate or keratin sulfate can be conjugated with a block-copolymer of silk protein. The matrix can be used in a variety of medical treatment applications including, but not limited to, cell delivery, a platform for neo tissue formation, cartilage repair, spinal repair, treatment of hernias, organ adhesion prevention, use as a biosurgical adhesive and/or post-myocardial infarction treatment. Combined with unmodified hydrogels such as, but not limited to, fibrin glue and functionalized PEGs, it is anticipated that the silk protein will reduce or eliminate swelling of the hydrogel and increase its mechanical stability. In addition, a silk matrix has a very porous structure. Salt leaching and gas foaming are known to produce silk protein matrices with porosity greater than 100 μm, which is generally considered to be the minimum porosity for cell migration and expansion. Nazarov, R., et al., Porous 3-D Scaffolds from Regenerated Silk Fibroin, Biomacromolecules 2004, 5, 718-719. The structure of a silk matrix can allow for controlled release of a substance, including, but not limited to, biologics such as therapeutic agents, cells and growth factors.

In some embodiments, at least two functionalized PEGs with a total functionality greater than four can be combined with a silk protein in solution to form a self-reinforcing composite matrix. “Functionality” refers to the number of electrophilic or nucleophilic groups on the polymer core which are capable of reacting with other nucleophilic or electrophilic groups, respectively, to form a gel. For example, a first functionalized PEG may be thiol PEG, or amino PEG wherein the first functionalized PEG includes at least two nucleophilic groups. A second functionalized PEG may be N-hydroxy succinimide ester PEG, acrylate PEG, vinyl sulfone PEG or maleimide PEG wherein the second functionalized PEG includes at least two electrophilic groups. In some embodiments, the first functionalized PEG and the second functionalized PEG may be combined in a 1:1 ratio. In other embodiments, the first functionalized PEG and the second functionalized PEG may be combined in a less than 1:1 ratio.

In some embodiments, the combination (i.e., the functionalized PEGs) can be stored in a solid or liquid phase. In one embodiment, the combination is stored in a solid phase. Approximately 2 hours before delivery, an acidic aqueous solution can be added to the functionalized PEGs to form a liquid phase. The solution may be, for example, a dilute hydrochloric acid solution in a pH range of about 3.5 to about 4.5. An acidic environment may be appropriate for PEG-NHS esters. In some embodiments, a neutral pH aqueous solution can be appropriate for PEG-NHS esters. A basic environment may be appropriate for thiol PEG or amino PEG.

At or close to the time of delivery, a silk protein in aqueous solution may be added to the acidic or neutral functionalized PEG solution. For PEGs stored in a basic environment, the silk protein may to co-delivered in situ. The silk protein can be up to 50 mass percent of the combined PEGs. In some embodiments, the silk protein is 10 mass percent of the combined PEGs.

In some embodiments, the functionalized PEGs can be combined with a silk protein in a solid phase. Approximately 2 hours before delivery, an aqueous solution can be added to the combination to form a liquid phase. At or close to the time of delivery, a high pH buffer solution of about 7.5 to about 9.5 may be added to initiate the gelation process. For example, basic buffers can include sodium phosphate and sodium carbonate buffers at a concentration of about 100 mM to about 300 mM. For PEG-NHS esters, a stoichiometric amount of base can be added. For vinyl sulfone or acrylate PEGs, a catalytic amount of base can be added. The silk protein can be up to 50 mass percent of the combined PEGs. In some embodiments, the silk protein is 10 mass percent of the combined PEGs.

In some embodiments, components of fibrin glue can be combined with a silk protein to form a self-reinforcing composite matrix. Fibrin glue may include fibrinogen or a fibrinogen-like compound and thrombin. The silk protein may be combined with fibrin glue in a similar manner as that described with respect to the PEGs.

In some embodiments, a cell type can be added to the self-reinforcing composite matrix. Examples of cell types include, but are not limited to, localized cardiac progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells (osteoblasts, chondrocytes and fibroblasts), bone marrow derived mononuclear cells, adipose tissue derived stem cells, embryonic stem cells, umbilical-cord-blood-derived stem cells, smooth muscle cells or skeletal myoblasts. In some embodiments, a growth factor can be added to the self-reinforcing composite matrix. Examples of growth factors include, but are not limited to, isoforms of vasoendothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF, e.g. beta-FGF), Del 1, hypoxia inducing factor (HIF 1-alpha), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), nicotine, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), transforming growth factor (TGF alpha), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), estrogens, follistatin, proliferin, prostaglandin E1 and E2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), interleukin 8 (Il-8), hematopoietic growth factors, erythropoietin, granulocyte-colony stimulating factors (G-CSF) and platelet-derived endothelial growth factor (PD-ECGF). In some applications, the functionalized PEGs can react with the growth factors which could stabilize the growth factors, extend their half-life or provide a mode for controlled release of the growth factors. The growth factors can act to help survival of injected hMSC or endogenous progenitor cells of the infarct region. In addition, the growth factors can aid in homing endogenous progenitor cells to the injury site.

In some embodiments, a biologic such as a growth factor or pharmaceutical can be encapsulated, suspended, disposed within or loaded into a biodegradable carrier and combined with at least one component of a two-component gel system and silk protein for sustained-release and/or controlled delivery to a target site. An example of a suitable biologic includes, but is not limited to, IGF-1, HGF, VEGF, bFGF, stem cell factor (SCF), G-CSF, PDGF or other growth factor. In one embodiment, the biologic is IGF-1. IGF-1 is known for its pro-survival and anti-apoptotic effects, among other characteristics. It is known that IGF-1 has beneficial effects on acute MI and chronic heart failure by affecting endogenous cardiac cells. Since IGF-1 has a short in vivo half-life, treatment can be enhanced by providing controlled release of IGF-1 from a biodegradable carrier or self-reinforcing composite matrix.

In one embodiment, the biodegradable carrier is an electrospun absorbable nanofiber or microfiber, hereinafter referred to interchangeably. A nanofiber can be in a range of between about 40 nm and about 2000 nm, while a microfiber can be in a range of between about 1 μm and about 10 μm. In one embodiment, the biologic (or no biologic) infused microfiber can be formulated by electrospinning. “Electrospinning” is a process by which microfibers are formed by using an electric field to draw a polymer solution from the tip of a reservoir with a nozzle to a collector. The nozzle can be a single nozzle or a coaxial nozzle. A voltage is applied to the polymer solution which causes a stream of solution to be drawn toward a grounded collector. Electrospinning generates a web of fibers which can be subsequently processed into smaller lengths. For example, the fibers can be cryogenically milled using a high frequency ball or centrifugal mill.

Examples of polymers which may be used to form the electrospun microfibers generally include, but are not limited to, polyglycolide (PGA), poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA), poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PDLGA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), polydioxanone, PEG-PLGA diblock and PEG-PLGA-PEG triblock copolymers, and poly(ester amides) (PEA).

Additionally, polymers which may be used to form elastomeric electrospun microfibers include, but are not limited to, biodegradable poly(ester urethanes) (PEU), poly(ester urethane) ureas (PEUU), polyhydroxyalkanoates such as poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) or poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), PCL-PLA copolymers, PCL-PGA copolymers, poly(1,3-trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC), PTMC-PLA, and PTMC-PCL copolymers. Elastomeric microfibers have been demonstrated to possess mechanical anisotropy similar to native tissue.

Additionally, the polymers described above can be used to form core-shell electrospun microfibers. Core-shell electrospun microfibers can be formed by using a coaxial nozzle in the electrospinning process. For example, two different polymer solutions can be placed in two separate coaxial reservoirs with one common nozzle. When the electrospinning process is started, the polymer solutions will only come into contact at the nozzle tip, resulting in a fiber within a tube morphology. Core-shell electrospun microfibers can be useful for reduction of burst release and sequential biologics release profiles. “Burst” refers to the amount of agent released in one day or any short duration divided by the total amount of agent (which is released for a much longer duration). A sequential biologics release profile is the case when a first biologic is added to the first polymer solution and a second biologic is added to the second polymer solution. Depending on which polymer solution forms the “core” or “shell”, the biologic in the “shell” (outer tube) will be released prior to the biologic in the “core” (inner fiber). In this manner, the application of two different types of biologics can be controlled.

In another embodiment, the biodegradable carrier is a microparticle, or microsphere, hereinafter referred to interchangeably. Various methods can be employed to formulate and infuse or load the microparticles with the biologic. In some embodiments, the microparticles are prepared by a water/oil/water (W/O/W) double emulsion method. In the first phase, an aqueous phase containing the biologic is dispersed into the oil phase consisting of polymer dissolved in organic solvent (e.g., dichloromethane) using a high-speed homogenizer. Examples of sustained-release polymers which may be used include those polymers described above. The primary water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion is then dispersed to an aqueous solution containing a polymeric surfactant, e.g., poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and further homogenized to produce a W/O/W emulsion. After stirring for several hours, the microparticles are collected by filtration. In other embodiments, the microparticles can be prepared by an electrospray method. Such methods are known by those skilled in the art. See, e.g., Yeo, L. Y. et al., AC electrospray biomaterials synthesis, Biomaterials. 2005 November; 26(31):6122-8.

Example 1

A first component is a 10% solution of PEG thiol in carbonate and/or phosphate buffer adjusted to pH between 8 and 9. The buffer can be between 140 mM and 160 mM. The PEG thiol can be PTE-200SH, molecular weight 20,000 kD available from NOF corporation, Japan. A second component is a 10% to 13% solution of PEG NHS in phosphate buffer at physiological pH. The PEG NHS can be PTE-200GS, molecular weight 20,000 kD available from NOF corporation, Japan. The amount of oligomer component in solution can vary from 2% to 20% by weight, however stoichiometry between the first component and the second component should be close to 1:1 to assure reaction between the components. An aqueous solution of silk protein (synthetic or non-synthetic) can be added to the first component for a final concentration of 50 mg/mL. The aqueous silk protein solution should be kept at between 3° C. and 9° C., preferably between 4° C. and 8° C. Prior to addition of the aqueous silk protein to the first component, a biologic including a growth factor and/or pharmaceutical encapsulated, suspended, disposed within or loaded into a biodegradable carrier can be added to the aqueous silk protein solution. The biodegradable carrier can be formulated according to embodiments of the present invention. Just prior to injection to a treatment site, a cell suspension including between about 0.5 million and about 10 million cells can be added to the second component. Each injection can be between 100 μL to 200 μL combined for up to 25 injections.

Example 2

A first component is a 10% solution of PEG amine in carbonate or phosphate buffer adjusted to pH between 8 and 9. The buffer can be between 140 mM and 160 mM, preferably 150 mM. The PEG amine can be PTE-200PA, molecular weight 20,000 kD available from NOF corporation, Japan. A second component is a 10% to 13% solution of PEG NHS in phosphate buffer at physiological pH. The PEG NHS can be PTE-200GS, molecular weight 20,000 kD available from NOF corporation, Japan. The amount of oligomer component in solution can vary from 2% to 20% by weight, however stoichiometry between the first component and the second component should be close to 1:1 to assure reaction between the components. An aqueous solution of silk protein (synthetic or non-synthetic) can be added to the first component for a final concentration of 50 mg/mL. The aqueous silk protein solution should be kept at between 3° C. and 5° C., preferably 4° C. Prior to addition of the aqueous silk protein to the first component, a biologic including a growth factor and/or pharmaceutical encapsulated, suspended, disposed within or loaded into a biodegradable carrier can be added to the aqueous silk protein solution. The biodegradable carrier can be formulated according to embodiments of the present invention. Just prior to injection to a treatment site, a cell suspension including between about 0.5 million and about 10 million cells can be added to the second component. Each injection can be between 100 μL to 200 μL combined for up to 25 injections.

Example 3

A first component is a 10% solution of PEG thiol in carbonate or phosphate buffer adjusted to pH between 8 and 9. The buffer can be between 140 mM and 160 mM. The PEG thiol can be PTE-200SH, molecular weight 20,000 kD available from NOF corporation, Japan. A second component is a 4% to 5% solution of PEG diacrylate in phosphate buffer. The PEG diacrylate can be poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, molecular weight 4000 kD available from Polysciences, Inc., Pennsylvania, U.S.A. The amount of oligomer component in solution can vary from 2% to 20% by weight, however stoichiometry between the first component and the second component should be close to 1:1 to assure reaction between the components. An aqueous solution of silk protein (synthetic or non-synthetic) can be added to the first component for a final concentration of 50 mg/mL. The aqueous silk protein solution should be kept at between 3° C. and 9° C., preferably between 4° C. and 8° C. Prior to addition of the aqueous silk protein to the first component, a biologic including a growth factor and/or pharmaceutical encapsulated, suspended, disposed within or loaded into a biodegradable carrier can be added to the aqueous silk protein solution. The biodegradable carrier can be formulated according to embodiments of the present invention. Just prior to injection to a treatment site, a cell suspension including between about 0.5 million and about 10 million cells can be added to the second component. Each injection can be between 100 μL to 200 μL combined for up to 25 injections.

In any of the above examples, an additional two-component gel can be combined with the oligomers. For example, sodium hyaluronate, available from Genzyme Advanced Biomaterials, Massachusetts, U.S.A., can be combined with the oligomers. Sodium hyaluronate provides a ligand to the CD 44 receptor on hMSCs. The CD44 receptor is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on a variety of cells like endothelial, epithelial and smooth muscle cells. This molecule has many important functions, including cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and signal transduction. In one embodiment, hyaluronic acid is a solution between about 0.01% and 0.5%. Additionally, in some embodiments, an extracellular matrix polymer, such as collagen, can be the first component.

FIG. 2 illustrates a representation of an embodiment of forming a self-reinforcing composite matrix including a two-component gelation system and a silk protein. In some embodiments, a first functionalized PEG and a second functionalized PEG, which are precursors of the two-component gelation systems, are combined with a silk protein (200). The combination starts an initial cross-linking reaction between the PEGs forming a hydrogel reaches the gel point from about 2 seconds to about 120 seconds (210). Precipitation and formation of β-sheets and crystallization of the silk protein begins to occur immediately upon mixing and may continue for up to 48 hours. (220). As the silk proteins begin to self-assemble, it becomes less and less soluble in solution; however, the silk protein assembly is locked within the hydrogel. The β-sheets can be numerous and very small (220 a). Between about 0 days and about 30 days, degradation and dissolution of the gel occurs (230). In some embodiments, degradation of the gel occurs between about 0.5 to about 1 day. On the other hand, the silk protein matrix degrades within about 60 days to about 365 days. As a result, a self-reinforcing composite matrix comprised of silk protein remains at the treatment site, gradually degrading over time. In some embodiments, at least one cell type and/or a biologic such as a cell type or a growth factor encapsulated, suspended, disposed within or loaded into a biodegradable carrier is added to the self-reinforcing composite matrix. The biodegradable carrier can be formulated according to embodiments of the present invention. Advantageously, the addition of silk protein to the hydrogel substantially controls precipitation, i.e., phase separation, and swelling. For these silk hydrogels, tensile strength of the silk is about 1.1 GPa to about 1.4 GPa. In addition, for those embodiments which include a cell type and/or biodegradable carrier including a biologic, the silk matrix reinforces the mechanical property of the hydrogel and control matrix structure.

The compositions described herein can be used in medical treatment applications in which hydrogels can contribute beneficially, but swelling is not desired (an inherent characteristic of unmodified hydrogels). For example, the resulting self-reinforcing composite matrix can be used for cell delivery in a necrosed or compromised organ or tissue region, or, as a platform for cells to grow and form neo tissue. It is anticipated that the silk matrix will degrade at a treatment site at a rate substantially slower than an unmodified hydrogel system, thus enabling cells to proliferate longer, or, allowing for a more controlled release of cells within the matrix to the treatment region. Additionally, the slower degrading platform of the silk protein can allow for a more sustained and/or controlled release of a biologic encapsulated in, suspended, disposed within or loaded into a biodegradable carrier, which can be added to the precursor silk protein aqueous solution prior to delivery to a treatment region. Silk protein naturally degrades between about 60 days and 365 days. Thus, as the silk protein matrix degrades over time, it is anticipated that the biodegradable carrier will slowly diffuse out of the matrix and into the treatment site. Since the biologic also must diffuse out from the biodegradable carrier, the compositions described in embodiments of the present invention can allow for a sustained-release of treatment agent to the treatment region without the patient having to undergo multiple invasive procedures. In vivo, in vivo and in situ applications are contemplated in the present invention.

Methods of Use

In some embodiments, the self-reinforced composite matrix is delivered to a post-myocardial infarct region or other treatment region. The viscosity of the precursors, i.e., aqueous solutions of the two-component gelation system, silk protein and buffer, can be in a range from about 5 centipoise to about 70 centipoise. Devices which can be used to deliver each component of the gel include, but are not limited to, minimally invasive injection devices such as dual-needle left-ventricle injection devices and dual-needle transvascular wall injection devices, and dual syringes. Methods of access to use the minimally invasive injection devices (i.e., percutaneous or endoscopic) include access via the femoral artery or the sub-xiphoid. “Xiphoid” or “xiphoid process” is a pointed cartilage attached to the lower end of the breastbone or sternum, the smallest and lowest division of the sternum. Both methods are known by those skilled in the art.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a dual syringe device which can be used to deliver the compositions of the present invention. Dual syringe 300 can include first barrel 310 and second barrel 320 adjacent to one another and connected at a proximal end 355, distal end 360 and middle region 365 by plates 340, 345 and 350, respectively. In some embodiments, barrels 310 and 320 can be connected by less than three plates. Each barrel 310 and 320 includes plunger 315 and plunger 325, respectively. Barrels 310 and 320 can terminate at a distal end into needles 330 and 335, respectively, for extruding a substance. In some embodiments, barrels 310 and 320 can terminate into cannula protrusions for extruding a substance. Barrels 310 and 320 should be in close enough proximity to each other such that the substances in each respective barrel are capable of mixing with one another to form a bioscaffolding in the treatment area, e.g., a post-infarct myocardial region. Dual syringe 300 can be constructed of any metal or plastic which is minimally reactive or completely unreactive with the formulations described in the present invention. In some embodiments, dual syringe 300 includes a pre-mixing chamber attached to distal end 365.

In some applications, first barrel 310 can include a first mixture including precursors of a two-component gelation system in solid phase wherein an aqueous solution of silk is added prior to delivery. The pH of the solution in first barrel 310 can be between 2 and 6.5 (for PEG-nucleophile with PEG-electrophile), or 5 and 7 (fibrinogen). In neutral pH, a cell suspension can be added to first barrel 310 just prior to delivery. Second barrel 320 can include a basic buffer or thrombin according to any of the embodiments described previously. A therapeutic amount of the resulting self-reinforcing composite matrix can be between about 25 μL to about 200 μL, preferably about 50 μL. In some applications, first barrel 310 includes a first basic buffer solution combined with a first functionalized polyethylene glycol with nucleophilic groups forming a 10% weight/volume solution at a pH between 8 and 9 and second barrel 320 includes a second buffer solution combined with a second functionalized polyethylene glycol with electrophilic groups forming a 4% to 13% weight/volume solution at a physiological pH. First barrel 310 can further include a biologic encapsulated, suspended, disposed within or loaded into a biodegradable carrier suspended within an aqueous solution of silk protein. In one embodiment, the biologic is IGF-1. When the contents of barrel 310 and barrel 320 are combined in situ or in vivo, a self-reinforcing composite matrix may form at the treatment region. Dual syringe 300 can be used during, for example, an open chest surgical procedure.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate an embodiment of a dual-needle injection device which can be used to deliver the compositions of the present invention. Delivery assembly 400 includes lumen 410 which may house delivery lumens, guidewire lumens and/or other lumens. Lumen 410, in this example, extends between distal portion 405 and proximal end 415 of delivery assembly 400.

In one embodiment, delivery assembly 400 includes first needle 420 movably disposed within delivery lumen 430. Delivery lumen 430 is, for example, a polymer tubing of a suitable material (e.g., polyamides, polyolefins, polyurethanes, etc.). First needle 420 is, for example, a stainless steel hypotube that extends a length of the delivery assembly. First needle 420 includes a lumen with an inside diameter of, for example, 0.08 inches (0.20 centimeters). In one example for a retractable needle catheter, first needle 420 has a needle length on the order of about 40 inches (about 1.6 meters) from distal portion 405 to proximal portion 415. Lumen 410 also includes auxiliary lumen 440 extending, in this example, co-linearly along the length of the catheter (from a distal portion 405 to proximal portion 415). Auxiliary lumen 440 is, for example, a polymer tubing of a suitable material (e.g., polyamides, polyolefins, polyurethanes, etc.). At distal portion 405, auxiliary lumen 440 is terminated at a delivery end of second needle 450 and co-linearly aligned with a delivery end of needle 420. Auxiliary lumen 440 may be terminated to a delivery end of second needle 450 with a radiation-curable adhesive, such as an ultraviolet curable adhesive. Second needle 450 is, for example, a stainless steel hypotube that is joined co-linearly to the end of main needle 420 by, for example, solder (illustrated as joint 455). Second needle 450 has a length on the order of about 0.08 inches (0.20 centimeters). FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional front view through line A-A′ of delivery assembly 400. FIG. 4B shows main needle 420 and second needle 450 in a co-linear alignment.

Referring to FIG. 4A, at proximal portion 415, auxiliary lumen 440 is terminated to auxiliary side arm 460. Auxiliary side arm 460 includes a portion extending co-linearly with main needle 420. Auxiliary side arm 460 is, for example, a stainless steel hypotube material that may be soldered to main needle 420 (illustrated as joint 465). Auxiliary side arm 460 has a co-linear length on the order of about, in one example, 1.2 inches (3 centimeters).

The proximal end of main needle 420 includes adaptor 470 for accommodating a substance delivery device (e.g., a component of a two-component bioerodable gel system). Adaptor 470 is, for example, a molded female luer housing. Similarly, a proximal end of auxiliary side arm 460 includes adaptor 480 to accommodate a substance delivery device (e.g., a female luer housing).

The design configuration described above with respect to FIGS. 4A-4B is suitable for introducing two-component gel compositions of the present invention. For example, a gel may be formed by a combination (mixing, contact, etc.) of a first component and a second component according to embodiments of the present invention previously described. Representatively, a first component may be introduced by a one cubic centimeters syringe at adaptor 470 through main needle 420. At the same time or shortly before or after, second component including a silk protein and optionally a least one cell type may be introduced with a one cubic centimeter syringe at adaptor 480. When the first and second components combine at the exit of delivery assembly 400 (at, e.g., an infarct region), the materials combine (mix, contact) to form a self-reinforcing composite matrix.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate an alternative embodiment of a dual-needle injection device which can be used to deliver two-component gel compositions of the present invention. In general, the catheter assembly 500 provides a system for delivering substances, such as two-component gel compositions, to or through a desired area of a blood vessel (a physiological lumen) or tissue in order to treat a myocardial infarct region or other treatment region. The catheter assembly 500 is similar to the catheter assembly 500 described in commonly-owned, U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,801, titled “Directional Needle Injection Drug Delivery Device”, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment, catheter assembly 500 is defined by elongated catheter body 550 having proximal portion 520 and distal portion 510. Guidewire cannula 570 is formed within catheter body (from proximal portion 510 to distal portion 520) for allowing catheter assembly 500 to be fed and maneuvered over guidewire 580. Balloon 530 is incorporated at distal portion 510 of catheter assembly 500 and is in fluid communication with inflation cannula 560 of catheter assembly 500.

Balloon 530 can be formed from balloon wall or membrane 535 which is selectively inflatable to dilate from a collapsed configuration to a desired and controlled expanded configuration. Balloon 530 can be selectively dilated (inflated) by supplying a fluid into inflation cannula 560 at a predetermined rate of pressure through inflation port 565 (located at proximal end 520). Balloon wall 535 is selectively deflatable, after inflation, to return to the collapsed configuration or a deflated profile. Balloon 530 may be dilated (inflated) by the introduction of a liquid into inflation cannula 560. Liquids containing treatment and/or diagnostic agents may also be used to inflate balloon 530. In one embodiment, balloon 530 may be made of a material that is permeable to such treatment and/or diagnostic liquids. To inflate balloon 530, the fluid can be supplied into inflation cannula 560 at a predetermined pressure, for example, between about one and 20 atmospheres. The specific pressure depends on various factors, such as the thickness of balloon wall 535, the material from which balloon wall 535 is made, the type of substance employed and the flow-rate that is desired.

Catheter assembly 500 also includes at least two substance delivery assemblies 505 a and 505 b (not shown; see FIGS. 5B-5C) for injecting a substance into a myocardial infarct region or other treatment region. In one embodiment, substance delivery assembly 505 a includes needle 515 a movably disposed within hollow delivery lumen 525 a. Delivery assembly 505 b includes needle 515 b movably disposed within hollow delivery lumen 525 b (not shown; see FIGS. 5B-5C). Delivery lumen 525 a and delivery lumen 525 b each extend between distal portion 510 and proximal portion 520. Delivery lumen 525 a and delivery lumen 525 b can be made from any suitable material, such as polymers and copolymers of polyamides, polyolefins, polyurethanes and the like. Access to the proximal end of delivery lumen 525 a or delivery lumen 525 b for insertion of needle 515 a or 515 b, respectively is provided through hub 535 (located at proximal end 520). Delivery lumens 525 a and 525 b may be used to deliver first and second components of a two-component gel composition to a post-myocardial infarct region.

FIG. 5B shows a cross-section of catheter assembly 500 through line A-A′ of FIG. 5A (at distal portion 510). FIG. 5C shows a cross-section of catheter assembly 500 through line B-B′ of FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, delivery assemblies 505 a and 505 b are adjacent to each other. The proximity of delivery assemblies 505 a and 505 b allows each component of the two-component gelation system to rapidly gel when delivered to a treatment site, such as a post-myocardial infarct region.

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that there are a number of changes, adaptations and modifications of the present invention which come within the province of those skilled in the part. The scope of the invention includes any combination of the elements from the different species and embodiments disclosed herein, as well as subassemblies, assemblies and methods thereof. However, it is intended that all such variations not departing from the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope thereof. 

1. A composition comprising: a first component of a two-component gelation system; a second component of a two-component gelation system; a silk protein or a block copolymer thereof; and at least one cell type.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the two-component gel system is one of a synthetic polymer system or a fibrin glue system.
 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the two-component gel system is a fibrin glue system comprising fibrinogen or a derivative thereof and thrombin.
 4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the silk protein or block copolymer thereof is synthetic.
 5. The composition of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first component, the second component and the silk protein or block copolymer thereof is in a solid phase.
 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the silk protein or block copolymer thereof is up to 50 mass percent of the solid phase mixture.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one cell type is in the form of a suspension comprising between 0.5 million to 10 million cells.
 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one cell type is at least one of cardiomyocytes, chondrocytes or bone marrow mononuclear cells.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one cell type is at least one of adipose tissue derived stem cells, embryonic stem cells, umbilical-cord-blood-derived stem cells, smooth muscle cells or skeletal myoblasts.
 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the first component and the second component is combined in a 1:1 ratio.
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the silk protein or block copolymer thereof is in an aqueous solution and combined with a growth factor to aid in homing of the at least one cell type to an injury site.
 12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the growth factor is selected from the group consisting of insulin-like growth factor 1, hepatocyte growth factor, vasoendothelial growth factor, beta-platelet derived growth factor, stem cell factor, granulocyte-colony stimulating factors, platelet derived growth or a pharmaceutical.
 13. A kit comprising: a first syringe comprising precursors of a two-component gelation system; a second syringe adapted to fluidly communicate with the first syringe, the second syringe comprising a silk protein or block copolymer thereof and at least one cell type in an aqueous solution; and a third syringe comprising a first aqueous buffer solution in a pH range from about 7.5 to about 9.0.
 14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the two-component gel system is a fibrin glue system.
 15. The kit of claim 14, wherein the two-component gel system is a fibrin glue system comprising fibrinogen or a derivative thereof and thrombin.
 16. The kit of claim 13, wherein the silk protein or block copolymer thereof is synthetic.
 17. The kit of claim 13, wherein the silk protein or block copolymer thereof comprises about one-tenth mass of the precursors.
 18. The kit of claim 13, wherein the block copolymer of silk protein is one of silk-elastin, silk-collagen, silk-laminin or a block copolymer of silk protein conjugated with one of hyaluronic acid, heparin sulfate, chondroitin sulfate or keratin sulfate.
 19. The kit of claim 13, wherein the block copolymer of silk protein is one of silk-elastin, silk-collagen, silk-laminin or a block copolymer of silk protein conjugated with one of hyaluronic acid, heparin sulfate, chondroitin sulfate or keratin sulfate.
 20. The kit of claim 13, wherein the at least one cell type is in the form of a suspension comprising between 0.5 million to 10 million cells.
 21. The kit of claim 13, wherein the at least one cell type is at least one of cardiomyocytes, chondrocytes or bone marrow mononuclear cells.
 22. The kit of claim 13, wherein the at least one cell type is at least one of adipose tissue derived stem cells, embryonic stem cells, umbilical-cord-blood-derived stem cells, smooth muscle cells or skeletal myoblasts. 